Airbus has issued a mandatory software update for roughly 6,000 A320 family aircraft worldwide, impacting over half of the global fleet. The directive, prompted by a potential fault in the flight control system, requires immediate attention from airlines to ensure continued safe operation. The update comes at a especially sensitive time for air travel, following the busy Thanksgiving holiday adn with the potential to cause further disruptions. Numerous airlines are already responding, with passengers advised to check for potential delays or cancellations as the updates are implemented.
Airbus has ordered an immediate software update for approximately 6,000 of its A320 aircraft, impacting more than half of the global fleet. The directive, issued on Friday, is expected to cause travel disruptions, particularly as the U.S. enters one of its busiest travel periods following Thanksgiving.
Several airlines have already warned passengers to anticipate potential delays or cancellations as they implement the required software revisions. The following carriers have reported impacts:
TAP
TAP Air Portugal stated on Saturday that it is updating the flight control software on its A320 aircraft following issues identified by Airbus, but anticipates “reduced impact” on operations and does not foresee any cancellations.
“We continue to monitor the situation, the entire impacted fleet is being updated, with reduced impact on operations and no cancellations, and always prioritizing the safety of passengers and crews,” a company official told Lusa news agency.
American Airlines
The world’s largest A320 operator said approximately 340 of its 480 aircraft of this model require the software update, which is expected to be completed by the end of today. Each aircraft is anticipated to take around two hours to update.
Lufthansa
The German airline expects a small number of flight cancellations or delays over the weekend, as several hours per aircraft will be needed to implement the Airbus-prescribed measures.
Avianca
Colombia-based Avianca reported that the recall affects more than 70 percent of its fleet, causing “significant” operational disruptions over the next ten days. Avianca has temporarily suspended ticket sales for travel through December 8.
Wizz Air
Some Wizz Air aircraft require the software update, the airline said, adding that it has immediately scheduled the necessary maintenance. As a result, some flights during the weekend may be affected.
British Airways
Three of British Airways’ short-haul A320 aircraft are affected, but the airline does not anticipate any operational impact.
EasyJet
The airline reported that it has completed the software update on many of the aircraft requiring it and plans to operate its flight schedule normally on Saturday.
Air France-KLM
The airline canceled 35 flights on Friday following the Airbus communication.
Air New Zealand
The airline said that all of its A320neo aircraft will receive a software update before operating their next service, which will disrupt several of its flights on Saturday.
Air India
The airline said the Airbus directive will result in software/hardware realignment on a portion of its fleet, leading to a longer turnaround time and operational delays.
Indigo
The Indian low-cost carrier stated it is proactively completing the mandatory updates and that some flights may experience “minor schedule adjustments” while it works on the “preventive updates.”
Volaris
The Mexican airline said on Friday that the Airbus update will cause flight delays and cancellations over the next 48 to 72 hours.
Latam Airlines
The update applies to a limited number of Latam aircraft operated by affiliates in Colombia, Chile, and Peru. Aircraft operating with affiliates in Brazil and Ecuador are not subject to this notice.
Turkish Airlines
The company said that eight A320 aircraft will return to service after completing the necessary actions. “All of our operations continue safely and without interruption,” the airline stated.
Viva
The Mexican airline said its fleet will be affected by the Airbus software update, but a timeline for when the aircraft will be ready to fly again has not yet been determined.
Delta Airlines
The U.S. carrier expects any operational impact from the Airbus directive to be limited.
Aer Lingus
The Irish carrier said a limited number of aircraft were affected and that the airline is taking steps to complete the installation of the necessary software, anticipating no significant operational disruptions.
United Airlines
The airline, which operates aircraft from the A320 family, said it was not affected by the Airbus announcement.
Azul
Brazilian airline Azul stated that none of its A320 aircraft were included in the Airbus order.
c/ agencies
